Question & Answer

Q: What’s the best way to get rid of blackheads? I have this blackhead-popping thing that looks like a syringe and would like to know if these are safe to use.

A: Blackheads, or comedones in medical terms, are “clogged pores.” Dead skin cells and dried secretions from the skin’s oil (sebum) glands can produce plugs in the hair follicles (commonly known as pores).

Q: What’s the difference between a lotion, a cream, and a gel? Which will clog my pores the least?

A: The consistency of the products is the biggest difference.

Q: Can hypopigmentation on the arms that has been present for about 10 years still leave one’s skin?

A: Hypopigmentation is the loss of color in the skin, and the contrast of the light spots is especially more noticeable after months in the summer sun, when the rest of your skin may be darker. If your pale spots have not changed in size over 10 years and are small, it is probably a common and benign condition that is actually a type of scarring, and which is not likely to disappear without treatment.

Q:  I have never had a chemical peel and would like to try one, but I am afraid of the thought of acid on my face. Should I be worried?

A: Chemical peels can improve and smooth the texture of facial skin by removing damaged outer layers and can be helpful in treating dull facial texture and color, fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, uneven pigmentation (solar lentigines, or “sun spots”), melasma, mild acne, and even precancerous lesions (ie, actinic keratoses).  

Q: I’m outdoors a lot. What can I do to prevent a rash?

Sunlight can cause a lot of different skin reactions. The best way to prevent this is by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. Plants that cause allergies, such as poison ivy, are commonly encountered by people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Stay away from plants you suspect could be poisonous, and wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening.

Dr. Lowell Goldsmith and Dr. Jeff Bernhard contributed their expertise on behalf of Logical Images for the above information.

Q: How can I get rid of the skin rash and itch of hives?

Hives is a prime example of a skin condition that responds extremely well to oral antihistamine treatment. A drug such as Benadryl®, Claritin®, or Zyrtec® can be very effective in relieving the rash and itch from hives. These drugs can also be obtained without a prescription.

Hives can sometimes form around the mouth and can be associated with breathing problems. In more serious cases, a visit to the emergency room and sometimes adrenalin shots are necessary.

Q: Where should I go to have laser procedures performed?

A: Patients who want to look younger have a confusing array of options, including where to go for cosmetic procedures. I talk about this topic at greater length here, but, essentially, this is what I recommend evaluating prior to undergoing a cosmetic laser procedure.

Q: Is the scabies rash contagious?

The rash itself is not contagious, but the mites that cause scabies can be transferred from person to person. Passing scabies to another person requires skin-to-skin contact. There have been authentic cases of scabies being transferred through handshakes, but it typically takes longer, closer personal contact to transfer scabies. People living in crowded conditions and shelters during times of poverty are most at risk.

Q: I have a red, itchy rash under my armpit. I work out a lot. Could it be from sweating?

It is difficult to say exactly what is causing the itching you are experiencing without seeing the rash in person. However, there are a few possibilities of what commonly cause an itchy rash in an individual’s armpits.

Q: Can antibiotics cause a rash?

Yes. Antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline, can cause rash. These rashes are seen as a symmetrical outbreak of red, blotchy, slightly raised welts (wheals) and solid, raised spots (papules). This rash will typically begin on the trunk or back and spread to involve additional areas of the body.